Eswatini Neighbouring Countries and African Neighbors
Neighboring Countries of Eswatini
Eswatini’s Landlocked Geography
Eswatini, still often called by its old name Swaziland, sits snugly in Southern Africa. With no sandy beaches or ocean breezes, this landlocked gem covers about 110 miles north to south and stretches roughly 80 miles across (CIA World Factbook). Not having a shoreline means Eswatini really relies on its neighbors when it comes to trade and travel.
Bordering Nations Overview
Eswatini cozies up to two countries that pack a punch in shaping its economy and society.
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Mozambique: Chills out over to Eswatini’s northeast (Wikipedia).
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South Africa: Gives Eswatini a big hug, wrapping around its north, west, south, and a bit of the southeast (Wikipedia).
| Country | Direction from Eswatini |
|---|---|
| Mozambique | Northeast |
| South Africa | North, West, South |
If you’re curious about who neighbors who in Africa, go ahead and check our articles on Ethiopia’s neighbors, Kenya’s friends, and Libya’s borders.
Grasping where Eswatini lies helps us dig into its bustling trade and rich cultural swaps with these countries. Fancy more info? Dive into our writing on swapping goods with South Africa or take a peek at the wildlife scene in Eswatini.
Countries Bordering Eswatini
So, you’ve heard about Eswatini, right? It’s nestled down in Southern Africa, squeezed snugly between two big neighbors: Mozambique and South Africa. This location shakes things up for Eswatini in all sorts of ways—from culture to commerce.
Mozambique: Eastern Neighbor
On Eswatini’s eastern side, we’ve got Mozambique. Their border doesn’t stretch far—only about 108 kilometers (CIA World Factbook)—but boy, does it matter! This strip of land means everything when it comes to Eswatini’s peek at the Indian Ocean via Mozambique’s ports. Think about the boost in trade and vacationers!
These two zones have a thing going on. Their land overlaps a bit, so their plants and animals get to mingle, which also spices up their cultural vibes (Britannica). They swap stuff—products, services, you name it—like neighbors borrowing a cup of sugar back and forth.
South Africa: Northern, Western, and Southern Neighbor
Swinging around to the north, west, and south, you’ve got South Africa, the giant hugging most of Eswatini’s borders. This one’s a biggie, stretching out to about 430 kilometers (CIA World Factbook). They share quite a history and economic bonds, making South Africa the Most Valued Player in Eswatini’s game.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Border Length | 430 kilometers |
| Geographical Coordinates | 26°30’S, 31°30’E |
| Main Trade Partner | Yes (World Bank) |
Remember that juicy bit from 1982—a heated fuss over potentially swapping some South African land to Eswatini? Didn’t happen, but it ramped up the stakes (Wikipedia). Being so cozy means their markets are tied—trucks rolling back and forth with goods all day.
Extra Bits
Want to explore what borders look like elsewhere? Wander through some write-ups about places like ecuador neighboring countries, ethiopia neighboring countries, and guinea neighboring countries.
Trade Relations with Neighbors
Eswatini and South Africa are more than just neighbors; they’re trade partners joined at the hip. Below gives a look into the nitty-gritty of what flows in and out between the two, focusing on the whos, whats, and whys of trade.
Imports from South Africa
South Africa stands as Eswatini’s go-to source for imports, bringing in more than 90% of what’s needed. This tight-knit relationship highlights the cozy economic link between the two. You’ll find all sorts flowing from South Africa—everything from machinery to your daily household items. The statistics speak volumes about just how essential South Africa is in keeping Eswatini’s wheels turning smoothly.
| Import Category | Percentage of Total Imports |
|---|---|
| Machinery and Equipment | 30% |
| Chemicals | 20% |
| Consumer Goods | 15% |
| Petroleum Products | 10% |
| Other | 25% |
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Exports to South Africa
On the flip side, South Africa also buys up what Eswatini’s selling. A solid 65-70% of Eswatini’s exports roll into South Africa, making it another key cog in the trading machine. We’re talking big-ticket items like sugar, soft drink concentrates, textiles, and wood pulp.
| Export Category | Percentage of Total Exports |
|---|---|
| Sugar | 30% |
| Soft Drink Concentrates | 20% |
| Textiles | 15% |
| Wood Pulp | 10% |
| Other | 25% |
Eswatini doesn’t just stop there. They’ve got their fingers in the natural resources pie too, with forest products and coal bringing home the bacon.
Though tiny, Eswatini punches above its weight. Its economy dances closely with its borders, mainly South Africa. Knowing these trade moves offers a peek into what makes its economy tick. For more local flavor, dive into Gabon neighboring countries and Iran neighboring countries.
Getting goods in and out isn’t just about neighborly love—Eswatini uses a web of transport routes like a pro, ensuring stuff moves smoothly and safely.
Want the full scoop on how neighboring countries play out their trade games? Our site’s got the goods. Check out articles like Ethiopia neighboring countries and Greece neighboring countries for more brain candy.
Geographical Features
Eswatini’s geography is an interesting puzzle of varied features, with its unique patches of land and many rivers weaving through like threads. These natural aspects significantly shape the life and ways of the people living there.
Physiographic Regions
Eswatini is like a four-layered cake, each slice offering something different in terms of climate and scenery: the Highveld, the Middleveld, the Lowveld, and the Lubombo escarpment (Britannica).
Highveld
- Elevation: 3,000-6,000 feet
- Climate: Cool and wet, perfect for snuggling
- Features: Grasslands and forests that invite exploration
Middleveld
- Elevation: 1,500-3,000 feet
- Climate: Moderate showers
- Features: A blend of farms and communities
Lowveld
- Elevation: Under 1,500 feet
- Climate: Hot, like a summer day with no pool
- Features: Expansive savannahs and sugarcane fields
Lubombo Escarpment
- Elevation: 2,000-2,600 feet
- Climate: Changes with height
- Features: Rugged slopes and thick greenery
This layering of land shows off Eswatini’s varied landscape, which not only affects the weather but also dictates what kind of farming can be done where.
Major Rivers and Waterways
Eswatini’s rivers, flowing from South Africa and onward to the Indian Ocean, are like lifelines, crucial for keeping fields green, lights glowing, and nature humming with life.
| River Name | Source | Catchment Area | Flow Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lomati | South Africa | Decent | East |
| Komati | South Africa | Decent | East |
| Umbuluzi | South Africa | Decent | East |
| Usutu | South Africa | Biggest splash in Eswatini | Southeast |
Figures courtesy Britannica
The Usutu River takes the crown with its expansive catchment, vital for keeping crops growing and powering homes.
Curious minds can wander further into the geography of Eswatini and its neighbors by checking out topics like Ethiopia’s neighboring countries and Guinea’s neighboring countries.
Natural Wildlife
Tucked away in Southern Africa, Eswatini offers a haven for animal lovers with Mozambique on its northeast and South Africa cozying up from every other direction. This snug position helps the country serve up a diverse assortment of critters and bird species.
Fauna Diversity
A trip to Eswatini is like a nature documentary coming to life. Its mix of terrains is a natural playground for a bunch of animals, from the enormous and untamed to the charmingly small. The locals you might bump into include:
- Antelope
- Hippopotamus
- Rhinoceros
- Elephant
- Giraffe
- Zebra
- Baboon
- Monkey
- Jackal
- Mongoose
- Snake
- Crocodile
Thanks to its diverse landscapes, ranging from sweeping savannas to tranquil wetlands, the animal kingdom is thriving here. For a peek at what’s happening in nearby regions, check out the stories on Ethiopia neighboring countries and Kenya neighboring countries.
Birdlife Abundance
Feathered friends in Eswatini aren’t too shabby either, with forests, rivers, and grasslands doubling as bird paradises. Whether they’re locals or just passing through, birds like these add music and color to the scenery:
- Eagles
- Hornbills
- Kingfishers
- Vultures
- Rollers
- Sunbirds
Sitting in a sweet spot, Eswatini welcomes many migratory birds, making it a hotspot for birdwatching. Got a binocular fetish? This place has your name on it. Dive into our pages on Gabon neighboring countries and Ghana neighboring countries to see what’s flying high over there.
| Animal | Habitat |
|---|---|
| Antelope | Savannas |
| Hippopotamus | Wetlands |
| Rhinoceros | Grasslands |
| Elephant | Forests |
| Giraffe | Savannas |
| Zebra | Grasslands |
| Baboon | Forests |
| Monkey | Jungles |
| Jackal | Savannas |
| Mongoose | Woodlands |
| Snake | All over |
| Crocodile | Rivers |
Eswatini’s wild cast of animals and birds isn’t just a pretty picture but a rich part of Africa’s overall biodiversity. Curious about what’s out there next door? More on that can be found in our articles about Ethiopia neighboring countries and Kenya neighboring countries.